All pharmacies in the nine free-standing Osco Drug stores closed Thursday, leaving customers wondering how they'll get their prescriptions filled.

The pharmacy signs at all Osco stores have now been covered up, though the food mart signs are still visible. That part of the store remains open so you can still purchase goods like food and toiletries, but as far as getting prescription drugs, you'll have to go elsewhere.

Steve and Marge Krupa came to the Osco at 44th and Center to get their prescriptions filled and were surprised to see the closed sign already posted at the store. They didn't realize the pharmacy was closing so soon. "We were very disappointed because we shop here and our prescriptions are here," said Marge Krupa. "We hate to see the store close and the employees lose their jobs, but I guess there's nothing we can do." The Krupas will now decide where to take their business. Their Osco prescription records have been transferred to Walgreens. A sign posted at Osco tells exactly where, though they do have the option to choose any pharmacy they want.

Kubat, just up the street, is welcoming former Osco customers to its store. "We've probably had 30 or 40 customers from Osco's already transferred over," said Kubat's Jim Quinley. He said many are choosing Kubat over Walgreens because Kubat offers delivery service and Walgreens does not. Others are attracted to the more personal service. "We know people by name," said Quinley. "This is the third generation running this place and we're not going anywhere." He knows some customers are upset about having to make the change and he and other employees are trying to help out as much as possible. "We tried to talk to them when they called and alleviate the fear and let them know if they transfer to Kubat we'll be around a long time and we'll take good care of them." That's exactly the type of service the Krupas will look for. "We'll just see what we decide to do."

An Osco spokesperson said the food mart part of Osco stores will stay open as long as there's enough inventory on the shelves to make it worthwhile. By August 29th though, all the stores will close for good. Some employees have already found other jobs. Osco is providing a severance package for employees. Some have the option to transfer to an Osco store in another city.

It's important to note the Osco pharmacies that are inside Albertsons stores will remain open, but they'll be under new management. A company called U-Save is taking over operations.